MythOfSisyphus

The big day came and went a day or two ago, I guess. Just looking at the date and I realize I have been sober for just over 11 months. I'm getting close to that magic One Year mark! It's been a pretty remarkable year, I must say. A lot of changes. It's amazing how much my thinking has changed. 11 months ago the thought of going a day without my wine was terrifying!

To everyone here that's supported me, THANKS SO MUCH!

To anyone reading this, thinking they can't do it, YOU CAN!

To those that don't know where to start, start at the beginning, with not drinking today.

To anyone that thinks the mountain is too high to climb, it's not. If I can make it 11 months anyone can.

To anyone that wonders if it's worth it to make the change...IT IS!

hayley86

Congratulations on 11 months!

coraltint

Great work, Myth....keep it up!!

Afloat

Well done! It's a great feeling isn't it. Keep it going.
How do you feel about drinking now? When you see others do it I mean, do you even notice? Or are you still fighting an urge?

MythOfSisyphus

For the most part I'm not bothered at all by other people drinking. In fact, the drunker they are the happier I am to be sober. In another post I talked about some of my coworkers and their reckless drinking and drugging. One of them (a felon) is going to court next week for a drug charge. It's just for having a little weed but since he's a convicted felon I'm not sure what will happen. At any rate, when they come dragging in in the afternoon, still looking like something the cat dragged in and with stories of "getting stupid" the night before I think there but for the grace of God go I.

Oddly there are only a couple situations that occasionally trigger a little pang of...what? Remorse? Yearning? Not sure exactly how to describe it. The first is at the movies. Occasionally watching an actor or actress that I admire drinking on screen triggers a desire to drink myself. I went to Closed Circuit a few nights ago, and in it both major protagonists tended to pour a glass of Chardonnay when they got home. Makes me miss having that nice glass to take the edge off. But unlike them I know I'll drink three bottles!

Another thing that triggers a faint twinge of melancholy is seeing a great price on something I used to drink. Usually it's a craft beer or a nice Washington state wine (eg. 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon). Momentarily I get excited, thinking Wow! That's a great price! Better stock up...only to quickly remember that I don't drink.

But I don't want to overstate things. I have virtually no cravings or yearnings unless I go looking for them. Mostly I just have a sense of peace and control over my life. I'm still getting used to that part.

ersatzmatriarch

well done, myth... and thanks for this awesome post!

Afloat

Thanks for taking the time to answer so fully, I know what you mean about remorse or yearning, those triggers for me are hot summer days in the pub garden with friends who are drinking beautifully made beer! Otherwise I really don't think about it much.

lessgravity

Awesome, quite an accomplishment.

I always look forward to your frank and intelligent and poignant posts - here's to hoping you stick around even in your sober success.

Congrats and thank you again.

Ptcapote

Congrats, what an inspiration you are! Thanks for being here and sharing your story and wisdom!

MythOfSisyphus

Thanks to you all! I plan to stick around, that's for sure. There are times when I get busy with regular life stuff when maybe I don't post much, but I try not to go away for long. Even if I don't post I read the words of others. It motivates me to stay sober by reminding me of how bad life was when I was at the mercy of the bottle. Plus, SR has helped me so much that I want to 'pay it forward' by encouraging the folks that are new to sobriety or trying to face the facts of addiction.

The fact is that we get a lot from giving! And I don't ever want to become complacent in my sobriety. It's a long way to fall if I were to go back to drinking again.

HeadLump

Congratulations, Myth, and what lovely posts. You're a real star!

misspond

That was a fabulous post to read, thanks so much for sharing.

Alex41

Congratulation Myth love your post. I'm not far behind you with 9 months and can't wait to reach the magic year!!

britquit

Congrats to you. Nice post to read coming from a 1 dayer.

ando68

Well done myth,,
A nice post to shine light on the fact that addiction can be overcome.
More power to you!
Ando.

freshstart57

Well done, MythofSisyphus. Congratulations on your 11 months of freedom, and here's to many more. Well done.

james872

Congrats! Thanks for inspiring us!

yukonm

Congratulations!!

Mizzuno

Bravo! Congrats on your sober time. Keep on keeping on. You have a lot to offer others.

pinkdog

Yea Myth, 11 months. Whoop Whoop.